Imagine taking just one pill a week to manage schizophrenia instead of the daily grind of medication—this is no longer a distant dream. MIT researchers have developed a groundbreaking once-a-week oral pill that promises to change the face of treatment for schizophrenia and other chronic conditions.

In a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial conducted by MIT spinout Lyndra Therapeutics, this innovative pill delivers a commonly prescribed drug for schizophrenia, showing consistent results that match daily doses. The study findings, published in the prestigious *Lancet Psychiatry*, reveal that this new regimen not only maintains stable drug levels in the body but also effectively controls symptoms.

"We’ve transformed a daily necessity into a weekly convenience, utilizing adaptable technology that could apply to various medications," states Giovanni Traverso, a key researcher and associate professor at MIT. The solution aims to tackle one significant issue: medication adherence. With the pill's design, patients can now effortlessly manage their treatment.

This capsule, comparable in size to a multivitamin, expands in the stomach to a star shape, allowing it to remain until all medication is released over the week. This remarkable design was over a decade in the making, with a commitment to simplifying medication intake for patients.

But how does it work? The star-shaped device is ingeniously crafted to unfold once ingested, making it too large to exit the stomach prematurely. Instead, it slowly releases medication over seven days, providing a steady stream of the drug. At the end of the week, the arms detach and naturally move through the digestive system.

Loaded with risperidone, a standard treatment for schizophrenia, the clinical trial involved 83 participants across five U.S. sites, tracking their responses to this weekly regimen. Their drug levels demonstrated a consistent pattern: a spike post-ingestion followed by a gradual decline, all within an optimal therapeutic range.

Moreover, researchers noted an impressive stability in patient symptoms throughout the trial. "Non-adherence is a massive barrier in treating chronic diseases; our approach could significantly counteract this issue," says Leslie Citrome, a clinical expert involved in the study.

The treatment exhibited only mild side effects, such as occasional acid reflux, further emphasizing its potential as a desirable option for patients.

What’s next? The team behind this innovation is preparing for larger clinical trials as they aim to apply for FDA approval. They're also exploring the possibility of using this capsule for other medications, including contraceptives.

Robert Langer, another prominent figure in the MIT team, expresses excitement about the progress: "Seeing this technology reach phase 3 trials is a major milestone. It reflects a decade of research and dedication that could offer hope to many facing mental health challenges."